Are rental cars with automatic transmissions widely available on the island, or are manual cars more common?

Many visitors arriving here expect automatic rental cars to be as plentiful as in their home countries, but in reality, manual transmissions dominate the island's rental fleets. Locals often prefer manuals, particularly because the winding roads of the Serra de Tramuntana, like the Ma-10, demand precise control that an automatic can't always provide. That said, in larger towns such as Palma and tourist hubs including Alcudia and Cala d’Or, rental agencies do increasingly stock automatics to meet demand from international travelers.

If you favour an automatic, it’s wise to book early, especially in high season. The selection can be limited, and automatics occasionally carry a slightly higher rental fee. Driving on Mallorca’s narrow mountain roads or along the coast near Formentor and Cala Mondrago calls for care, regardless of transmission type, so familiarizing yourself with local road rules is essential. For those relying on public transport, the TIB bus network and the charming Soller railway provide excellent alternatives to navigating the island by car. Whether manual or automatic, renting a vehicle here opens up the freedom to discover hidden coves like Cala Llombards and inland towns such as Valldemossa and Deià with ease.